Springfield Rallies In Support Of DACA & DREAM Act

Over 200 people rallied outside the state capitol building in Springfield over the weekend to show support for immigrants.

Standing in the shadow of the statehouse dome - right near a Lincoln statue - residents shared stories and support for people who have been living in America under the "Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" program, commonly referred to as DACA. The Trump administration has begun to phase it out.

Lisset, who doesn't want her last name used, told rally goers about her experience coming to the U.S. as a toddler. Her father works at a hog confinement hall in Beardstown and the 19 year old is attending college in Jacksonville. She says she's scared about her future and doesn't want to leave her life in Illinois. "DACA has given me a sense of identity. I mean, I was able to finally get a state ID, even that means so much."

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Speakers urged individuals to call their representatives in Congress and ask them to support of the federally proposed DREAM Act, which would help non-documented immigrants who attend college or join the military. Meanwhile, the White House is no longer accepting new applications for work permits through the DACA program.